Panel: Working with Primes in the Space Sector

Gain invaluable insights into selling into space industry prime contractors in this Panel Discussion featuring representatives from leading prime contractors. Explore the intricacies of navigating procurement processes, understanding the requirements of prime contractors, and maximising opportunities within the space industry. From compliance and certification to relationship-building strategies, this panel will provide practical advice and firsthand experiences to help businesses effectively engage with prime contractors. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and position your business for success in the competitive landscape of the space sector.

Speaker Information

Ben Shaw, Head of Operations & Business Capture, Lockeed Martin Space UK -  Ben is at the forefront of driving Lockheed Martin’s space agenda in the UK, responsible for a range of different programmes, including Skynet. In his role as Head of Operations and Business Capture, he works closely with numerous organisations and statutory bodies, helping to establish relationships and opportunities to build a robust space industry across the country. Ben joined Lockheed Martin UK in 2007 in the missile and fire control division, bringing with him a wealth of experience in both business development and management. His work at the company have included senior business development manager, business area manager and senior capture manager for space, before moving into his current role in 2022.

David Jones, Managing Director, Alphasonics - With a history of design engineering, David started Alphasonics in 1993. Since then, he has steered the company’s technological developments through solid engineering principles and practices and feels that it is this ‘feet on the ground’ approach has been a major force behind the achievements that the company has made over the past 31 years. ‘Medstar technology’ in particular has been a major breakthrough in the understanding of how to achieve and maintain high level cleaning. David believes that there is still further development within Medstar and is striving to take the technology to its limit.   

Martin Lee, Space Programme Procurement Manager, Airbus Defence and Space - Martin has over20 years’ experience in defence and space programmes and procurement. He is the Airbus Defence and Space UK SME champion responsible for our SME action plan and the early engagement and interaction with UK Defence, Security and Space suppliers, especially those offering world class innovative, disruptive and competitive products and services that complement the Airbus Defence and Space R&T&D roadmaps and product portfolio.

Martin leads our UK strategic supplier programme, focusing on an ecosystem of cross-industry alliances to ensure widest possible view of the established and emerging suppliers, ensuring early engagement and interaction with UK Defence, Security and Space suppliers at all levels. Martin also leads on the defence and space aspects in the Airbus Supply Chain Cyber Security task force.

Martin has been with Airbus for 18 years following a 23 year career in HM Forces and 5 years with other UK defence contractors, he has a wealth of subcontract management experience at all levels having worked with incubators, accelerators, start-up’s, SME, mid-tier and prime defence and space suppliers to deliver high value complex programmes in the defence and commercial sectors.

Ron Ruppersberg, President, The Microwave Products Group (MPG) -  The Microwave Products Group (MPG) is a leading global provider of mission/system-critical engineered electronic components and assemblies Enabling Communication and Signal Control. MPG designs and manufactures high performance RF and Microwave Filters, Switched Filter Banks, fast-tune Frequency-Agile (hopping) Filters, Integrated Cosite Equipment (ICE), Referenced and Referenceless Cancelers, Low Noise and Cosite Power Amplifiers, Integrated Microwave Assemblies and low insertion loss, high cycle Switches and Switch Matrices.